FBI arrests Ohio man for alleged ‘ISIS-inspired’ plot on US Capitol

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(PIX11) -- The FBI has arrested an Ohio man after thwarting what's being described as a planned ISIS-style attack against the U.S. Capitol.

Agents arrested Christopher Lee Cornell, 20, of Green Township, OH, and charged him with attempting to kill officers and government employees, along with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Cornell saw U.S. lawmakers as his enemies and unknowing began working with an informant to prepare for a violent attack on the government, according to the FBI. Cornell was placed under arrest Wednesday by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.

The FBI first found out about Cornell, who went by the alias Raheel Mahrus Ubaydah, from a confidential source in an unrelated case, according to court documents.

Cornell allegedly used his Twitter account to post "statements, videos, and other content" in support of the extremist group, and calling for violent attacks in North America and elsewhere.

The source contacted Cornell via Twitter in August of this year, and began instant messaging (using a different service).

"We already got a thumbs up from the Brothers over there and Anwar al Awlaki before his martyrdom and many others," Cornell allegedly wrote. "I believe we should meet up and make our own group in alliance with the Islamic State her and plan operations ourselves."

The two met in person in Cincinnati last October, where Cornell allegedly discussed the construction of pipe bombs and the need for weapons. He also planned a trip with the source to Washington D.C. to scout locations and security.

Cornell bought two M-15 semi-automatic rifles and 600 rounds of ammunition either on Wednesday or shortly before, according to the FBI.

The plot was described as being in the early stages, and the public was not in danger during the investigation, according to Acting Special Agent in Charge John A. Barrios.